About Us

From Buggy Breakdowns in the Desert to Business Class to Greece. My Story.

I still remember the sinking feeling. My wife and I were standing in the lobby of a so-called “4-star resort” in Orlando, a trip we had been looking forward to for months. But the reality was a world away from the glossy photos on Booking.com. It was rundown, disappointing, and a complete waste of our hard-earned money and precious vacation time. We had to leave and find another hotel.

That was in 2015. But honestly, it was just the latest in a long line of travel frustrations.

For years, my travel life was a frustrating paradox. My wife (then fiancée) and I would save up for incredible experiences like cruises in Alaska and the Caribbean, only to balance the budget by staying in questionable cheap hotels. We’ve endured everything from cramped hostel rooms to booking a desert tour with a local operator only to have their buggy break down, leaving us literally stranded in a sand dune.

I knew there had to be a better way. I wanted the incredible destinations without the terrible nights. I craved premium experiences, but the price tags for business class flights and 5-star hotels seemed like they belonged to another universe.

My “Aha!” moment didn’t come from another blog or a YouTube video. It came from inside the machine.

My name is Thiago, and I have a secret: I work for a major airline, LATAM.

From the inside, I started to see how the travel industry really works. I saw the patterns, the hidden rules, and the strategies that most people never discover. I learned how points and miles were not just a gimmick, but a powerful currency. I learned how to spot real value and avoid the scams (yes, I also thought timeshares were a scam until I figured out the system and saved $3,000 on a single week at the Hard Rock Punta Cana).

The theory was great, but the real test came in 2017.

My wife and I, both under 25 at the time, had always dreamed of a cruise through the Greek Islands. It felt like a “someday” trip—something you do when you’re older and wealthier. But armed with my new knowledge, I spent a year obsessively planning.

The result? We flew Business Class on Alitalia to Athens, sailed for 7 days through magical islands like Santorini, Mykonos, and Rhodes, and created memories that will last a lifetime.

The most shocking part? That entire luxury trip to Greece cost us less than a standard domestic vacation would have.

That was the moment Globetrotter Hacks was born, even if it was just in my mind back then. That was the proof. Since that first cruise, I’ve used these same strategies to visit over 37 countries and, by my conservative estimate, save over $95,000 on travel.

Why Am I Sharing All This?

Because I love this. I am obsessed with planning, creating spreadsheets, and finding the absolute best value for the highest quality trip. And I believe that incredible, world-expanding travel shouldn’t be reserved for the ultra-wealthy.

I created Globetrotter Hacks for people just like me: couples and families who work hard, are tired of the same old vacation spots, and are ready for an upgrade. For people who want to experience different cultures and see the world in comfort and style, without draining their savings account.

My mission is to show you that it’s possible to have unique, luxurious, 5-star experiences on a 3-star budget.

Here, you won’t find vague tips. You’ll find the detailed, insider strategies I use to plan my own trips.

Ready to start your own journey? A great place to begin is my guide on How I saved Over 50% on Luxury Vacations (RCI) and Best Websites to Find Cheap Luxury Flights in 2025.

My next dream destination is the ancient city of Petra in Jordan. What’s yours?

Let’s explore the world, the smart way.

Cheers,

Thiago